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Oberlin, Ohio-based Synapse Biomedical said it was awarded by the Ohio Third Frontier Commission funding amounting to $2.4 million. The proceeds will be used for the next generation design and development of its NeuRx technology so it would be able to expand its indications for use in patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency.

Established in 2002, Synapse Biomedical said it aims to commercialize their life transforming neurostimulation platform. The Ohio Third Frontier through its Commercial Acceleration Loan Fund program gives early-stage funding to Ohio firms that will help them develop their next generation products and services. The program aims to give support to firms and technology platforms that have the potential to grow, enter the market and/or the regulatory approval process in three to five years.

Synapse Biomedical Inc President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Ignagni said that the award was important for the company. He said in a statement, "This is an important award for Synapse Biomedical which will significantly accelerate timing of our next clinical trial. We anticipate the NeuRx® and Transloc® technology will lead to a reduction in length of stay (LOS) and improved outcomes for critical care patients. This support from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission is an important third component in our public, academic and private partnership to make these devices available."

The statement said the technology comes from Case Western Reserve University for patients with spinal cord injuries. It was then developed further by Synapse to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS and now critical patients.

Citing a report from the US Department of Health and Human Services in 2011, the statement said more than 1.6 million are intubated every year using mechanical ventilation. This results in having over 110,000 patients needing invasive tracheostomy and extended ventilator support.

The statement said the NeuRx technology would help reduce the cost of care of ventilated patients. Steven Annunziato, the company's SVP Marketing and Sales, said in the statement, "In our clinical trial we will collaborate with thought-leading surgeons and critical care physicians in major academic research institutions. It's very exciting news for our existing customers who have been requesting access to this application for years."